The original problem was that the refrigerator section was not getting cool.
Freezer section was fine. We replaced the defrost timer, hoping to solve the problem. But the cooled air still isn't blowing through air vents in frig section, in fact just about no air, cooled or otherwise, comes out of the air vent in fridge section unless freezer air vent is covered or freezer door is opened.

Thank you very much. That's what my husband thought it might be but since he doesn't have an owners manual since it's actually my daughters fridg which came with her house, he wasn't sure. Appreciate all your help. Let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.

The evaporator fan DRAWS warm air from the return vents at the top of the fridge section through the evaporator coils from the bottom section of the fridge[warm air rising]. Then the air is cooled going through the evaporator and then blown down to the bottom section through the cold air vent[cold air sinks] this is how the air cycles in a refrigerator.

I have a Maytag refrigerator model MSD2756DEW and it is about 5 years old. It is not cooling very well on the frig side but cold on the freezer side. I looked and it is froze (ice) on the back wall. I looked for the screw to trip the defrost cycle but ended up turning the screw on the temp control assy. I tried to turn it back about where I thought it was. Is there a way to trip the defrost cycle?Also if I check the defrost wire and it seems fine would a safe bet be the adaptive defrost part # 13?

A faulty adaptive defrost control is one of the most common problem with all Maytag refrigerators.

In your situation, the first thing I would do is replace the adaptive defrost control. Also you have to defrost whatever already has been built up. Just unplug the fridge for at least 12 hours with the freezer door kept open. Otherwise it will take a few days to automatically defrost it.

Thanks Gene for making this wonderful guide. Last week my GE profile fringe had this exact problem. I followed the troubleshooting steps and sure enough I found out that my defrost heater had burned out. I ordered the replacement part and it arrived overnight even using the cheap shipping because the part was shipped from Pennsylvania and I live close by in DC. I replaced the part that same evening and now the problem is fixed! Everyone in the house is impressed with my skillz!

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